“Sesame,” “Tom & Jerry,” “Respect” Set Dates

Warner Bros. Pictures has set a January 15th 2021 release date for a live-action musical based on celebrated kids program “Sesame Street”. “Portlandia” co-creator Jonathan Krisel is directing the film which boasts the adorable puppet characters. Mike Rosolio and Chris Galletta wrote the script while Shawn Levy is producing with Michael Aguilar.

In addition, they’ve also set an April 16th 2021 release for an untitled live-action and animation hybrid “Tom and Jerry” feature from their Warner Bros. Animation Group. Tim Story (“Ride Along”) is attached to direct the project based on the rival cat and mouse duo from the 1940s and ’50s Hanna-Barbera cartoon shorts.

Over at MGM, an August 14th 2020 release has been set for the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” which Liesl Tommy will helm. Jennifer Hudson was personally selected for the role by Franklin before she passed in August last year. Callie Khouri (“Thelma & Louise”) is writing the screenplay.

Finally, Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American rights to Seth Green’s feature film writing and directorial debut “Changeland”. Green and Breckin Meyer co-star in the buddy comedy-drama which will hit theaters day-and-date on June 7th this year.